The Canton advocate. [volume] (Canton, D.T. [S.D.]) 1877-1897, 1887-04-28
THE CELEBRATION.

BEFORE THE FORMAL EXERCISES.
The dawn of Tuesday, the day set for
the celebration of the sixty-eighth ami
versary of the Odd Fellows OF America,
was not heralded with sunshine or fair
weather. A slight rain predominated
from early morn till about 10 o'clock,
which was followed by the sun bursting
out through the scudding clouds and
causing more cheerful aspect to prevail.
Preparations Immediately commenced
for the receiving of the visiting lodges,
which were to arrive here about Il o'clock
from all points. Centennial Lodge, Of
this city, assisted by the I'd Regiment
Band. formed into line on Fifth street and
marched to the union depot to receive
the visiting lodges. A large crowd of
Canton citizens congregated at the depot,
and about 80 the trains from the south
and east pulled in, bringing the northwest
Iowa delegations. The Sanborn lodge was
accompanied by their most excellent
band. These members we're escorted to
the corner of Main and Fifth street, where
they scattered to the different hotels
in the city and the reception rooms in the
Syndicate block. The trains from the
north and west, bearing the lodges from
South Dakota towns, die not arrive until
10 clock. The Sioux Falls lodge was
accompanied by the Damon Division
Band, of that city. This delegation was
escorted to the city in the same manner
as the preceding one,
By this time the city presented a lively
appearance. Fully 1900 visitors were in
the city, the majority from surrounding
towns and good sprinkling from the coun-
try. Bands were playing, flags were flying
throughout the city, and general
Fourth of July scene was perceptible.
THE PARADE.
At q clock the different lodges and
the three bands formed on Main street.
between Fifth and Sixth, after which
Mayor Thorson delivered a short address
Of welcome to the many visitors to our
city. After the line was formed the
grandest parade ever witnessed in Can
ton took place. The line of march was
from Main street east on Fifth to Milwau-
kee street, thence west to Main, thence
north to Third, thence south to Fifth,
thence west to Cedar, thence south to
Eighth. thence north to Main. Below was
the order of march:
sanborn Cornet Band.
Members of Sibley, Ashton, Rock Valley, Hull
Spencer, Palmyra, Hawarden and
Sioux City lodges.
Damon Division Band.
Sheldon Lodge.
Sanborn Lodge.
Members Of Lennox, Alexandria, Hurley and Ma
rion lodges
I'd Regiment Band.
Members Of Patriarchs Militant.
Sioux Falls Lodge.
Dell Rapids Lodge.
Canton has witnessed the large circus
pageant with numerous lands and CALI
ope, and has from time to time had the
pleasure Of gazing upon different parades,
but the one Tuesday far outrivaled any
effort of the kind heretofore ate mpted in
the city. The three fine uniformed
bands discoursed rich military music, and
were great attraction themselves, alone.
This part of the day was beautiful.
There was just enough breeze to gently
float the banners throughout the pro-
cession. The sun danced and glistened
on the dazzling regalias, while the wav-
ing plumes and brilliant music helped to
make the scene more enchanting. The
city schools took vacation during the
parade, and the streets were lined with
the happy faces of the children. It was
a grand sight, and not thing occurred to
mar the occasion.
Capt. G. W. Harlan was Grand Mar
shall Of the day, assisted by Otto Leo
pold. The Captain certainly did present
an imposing sight seated on his spotted
grey horse, The Captain did himself
proud on this occasion, and will always
hold the day in remembrance as red
letter one.
AT THE HALL.
After the parade Bedford Hall was o.
cupied by the Odd Fellows and visitors,
where the formal address Of welcome was
made by N. G. Nash. The response on
behalf Of the visiting brethrens was given